Basic Format Rules
In T20 cricket, each team gets exactly 20 overs to bat, unless they lose all 10 wickets before completing their overs. An over consists of 6 legal balls bowled by one bowler. The team with the most runs after both innings wins the match. If the scores are tied, a super over (one additional over per team) is played to determine the winner.
Bowling and Bowler Restrictions
Each bowler can bowl a maximum of 4 overs in a T20 innings. This rule prevents one bowler from bowling too much and ensures variety in bowling attacks. Bowlers must complete their allocated overs before the innings ends, and no bowler can exceed their limit.
Fielding Restrictions
During the first 6 overs of each innings, called the powerplay, only 2 fielders are allowed to stand outside the 30-yard circle from the stumps. This restriction encourages aggressive batting by the opening batsmen. After the powerplay ends, a maximum of 5 fielders can be outside the 30-yard circle for the remaining 14 overs.
Batting Rules
Batsmen can play aggressively since there are fewer overs available. Batsmen are out by the same methods as in other cricket formats: bowled, caught, leg before wicket (LBW), stumped, run out, or hitting the ball twice. Each completed over is bowled from alternating ends of the pitch.
Innings and Substitutions
T20 matches consist of two innings, one for each team. Teams bat in order determined by a coin toss. Players cannot be replaced by substitutes once they start batting or bowling, except for injury reasons, which promotes player fitness and commitment throughout the match.